Point of Order

Norman Baker: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. We had an announcement from the Transport Secretary this morning about using hard shoulders to provide extra motorway capacity. That statement was preceded by a piece in today's edition of  The Guardian, which quoted her at some length, a piece in  The Sunday Times, which also referred to the policy, and an external briefing of organisations outside this House over the weekend. You have continually said to this House that Ministers should make statements in this House before speaking to newspapers and external bodies. That approach has clearly not been followed in this case. May I respectfully ask what action you intend to take on this matter?

Mr. Speaker: It has always been my policy to encourage Ministers—in fact, insist that Ministers make statements to this House. I shall look into the matter that the hon. Gentleman raises and get back to him.